Notary for Inheritance Law in Berlin

Your Notary for Inheritance Law in Berlin – Professional Support for All Inheritance Matters

Inheritance law notary in Berlin: matters of inheritance and family law often raise complex questions – especially during the emotionally difficult period following a death. Make sure your wishes and entitlements are clearly documented and legally protected.

As a notary and law firm in Berlin, we assist you with applying for a probate certificate (Erbschein), drafting your will, and planning the succession of your assets.

Jehad  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Very friendly and professional service. From the very beginning, you feel well looked after and in capable hands.”

Your Lawyer and Notary for Inheritance & Family Law in Berlin

Secure your entitlements and clarify the order of succession. Our experienced lawyers and notary support you in drafting inheritance contracts, advising on inheritance tax, and certifying important legal instruments – so that your inheritance matters are legally protected.

Get in touch today and let us help you resolve your legal concerns.

Silberner, kursiver Text mit der Schreibschrift „Franke“ auf transparentem Hintergrund, der mit eleganter, handschriftlicher Schrift einem metallischen Logo ähnelt – perfekt für einen Notar Erbrecht Berlin, der eine raffinierte Markenidentität sucht.

Our Services – Notary for Inheritance Law

As a law firm and notary for family and inheritance law, we offer comprehensive advice and tailored solutions for your inheritance matters. We help you set out your wishes and meet all legal requirements in a clear and binding manner.

Our notarial services at a glance:

  • Drafting wills
  • Certification of inheritance contracts (Erbverträge)
  • Clarification of the order of succession and estate planning
  • Applying for probate certificates
  • Lifetime asset transfers
  • Inheritance tax planning
  • Estate administration and settlement

With our support, you can ensure that every important step in your estate planning is properly addressed.

How Do I Become an Heir? Probate Applications and Estate Settlement

To become an heir, a legal succession must take effect. This can be governed by a will, an inheritance contract, or the statutory rules of succession (gesetzliche Erbfolge). The key question is whether the deceased made clear testamentary provisions during their lifetime. In all cases, the rules of German inheritance law apply.

Ways in which an inheritance may arise:

There are several ways in which heirs can be determined. The right approach depends on the individual wishes of the deceased. The most common are:

  • Will (Testament): The deceased specifies individually who is to inherit.
  • Inheritance contract (Erbvertrag): A binding agreement between the deceased and one or more persons.
  • Statutory succession (gesetzliche Erbfolge): Applies when no testamentary disposition exists.

As a notary and lawyer for inheritance law in Berlin, we advise you on the order of succession and clarify your entitlements. Our firm supports you with every necessary legal step, from notarial certification through to applying for a probate certificate.

Claim Your Inheritance Now

We are here for you. Book your notary appointment today – no long waiting times.

No Will? The Statutory Order of Succession – Your Inheritance Law Notary Explains

If no will or inheritance contract exists, the statutory rules of succession determine how the estate is distributed. German inheritance law sets out a clear hierarchy:

The order of heirs:

  1. First order: Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.
  2. Second order: Parents, siblings, nieces, nephews.
  3. Third order: Grandparents and their descendants.
  4. Spouses and registered civil partners have separate entitlements.

If no testamentary disposition exists, the statutory order of succession takes effect. We are happy to advise you on how the succession applies in your case and to help you with your estate planning.

If you would also like to have a prenuptial agreement drawn up by a notary in Berlin alongside your will, we are glad to advise you on all legal aspects.

Important aspects of statutory succession:

There are several points that must be considered in order to fully understand the entitlements and rights of heirs. These include:

  • Spousal inheritance rights: The spouse’s share depends on the matrimonial property regime (Güterstand).
  • Compulsory share (Pflichtteil): Certain close relatives have a statutory entitlement, even if they are not mentioned in the will.

As a lawyer and notary in Berlin, we review your individual inheritance situation, calculate compulsory shares, and assist with asset transfers. Contact us by email or phone for a personal consultation.

Notarial Advice on Inheritance Law – Types of Heirs

The different types of heirs under inheritance law vary depending on their legal status and the provisions set out in a will or under the statutory rules of succession. Depending on the circumstances, the rights and obligations of heirs may differ.

 

Types of heirs at a glance:

The main types of heirs:

Sole heir:

  • One person inherits the entire estate.
  • All rights and obligations rest solely with the sole heir.

Co-heirs in a community of heirs:

  • Several people share the estate.
  • Decisions must generally be made jointly.

Disinherited persons entitled to a compulsory share:

  • Close relatives, such as children or spouses, may still be entitled to a compulsory share even if they have been disinherited.

Testamentary heirs:

  • People appointed as heirs by a will or inheritance agreement.

Statutory heirs:

  • Relatives who inherit under the statutory rules of succession.

Tip: It is advisable to clarify who may be entitled to inherit and what claims they may have in advance in order to reduce the risk of disputes later on. Contact us to discuss your individual inheritance situation and put clear arrangements in place at an early stage.

Settle Your Inheritance Matters Now

We are here for you. Book your notary appointment at our office today – no long waiting times.

Estate Planning – What Is a Community of Heirs?

A community of heirs arises when several people inherit an estate together. It is created automatically either under the statutory rules of succession or through a will or an inheritance agreement.

 

Key features of a community of heirs:

The main features of a community of heirs are:

  • Joint ownership of the estate: The estate is initially managed jointly and belongs to all heirs together.
  • Unanimous decision-making: Decisions concerning the estate must generally be made unanimously.
  • Dissolution: The community of heirs can be dissolved by dividing the estate among the heirs.

Tip: If you are part of a community of heirs, it is important to agree on clear arrangements in order to avoid disputes later on. Contact us if you need support with managing or dividing the estate.

 

Tasks and challenges involved in settling an estate:

Managing an estate within a community of heirs can involve a number of complex tasks. The following points are particularly important:
  • Managing estate assets, such as property or bank accounts.
  • Clarifying claims between the heirs.
  • Preparing partition agreements and distributing the estate.

Our notary’s office in Berlin supports communities of heirs with the legal administration and division of estates, as well as with preparing the required documents. With an experienced inheritance lawyer at your side, we also help resolve more complex inheritance matters with care and discretion.

Your Notary for Inheritance Law Explains – Defining the Estate

The estate includes all assets left behind by the deceased, together with the associated rights and obligations. It may therefore consist of both assets and liabilities.

What forms part of the estate?

An estate can include everything from real estate to outstanding debts. This may include:
  • Real estate: Houses, apartments or land.
  • Financial assets: Bank accounts, securities and life insurance policies.
  • Personal property: Vehicles, works of art, jewellery or other personal belongings.
  • Business interests: Shares or interests in companies or partnerships, such as a GmbH or GbR.
  • Debts: Loans, liabilities or claims made by third parties.

Tip: If you would like to transfer assets during your lifetime, a gift may be an appropriate option and can also be handled with professional notarial support.

Clearly identifying what belongs to the estate is important for determining succession and transferring assets. As a notary in Berlin, we help clarify which assets and obligations form part of the estate and advise you on the relevant legal and tax considerations.

How Can an Inheritance Be Disclaimed?

An inheritance can be disclaimed if the estate includes unwanted obligations, such as debts. The disclaimer must be made within six weeks of becoming aware of the inheritance. This requires a formal declaration, which must be made before a notary or submitted to the competent local court.

Once the deadline has passed, the inheritance is generally deemed to have been accepted. Minors require the consent of their legal representatives. Our law office in Berlin can assist you with disclaiming an inheritance and explain the legal consequences involved.

Inheritance Law – Notary Franke in Berlin – Your Solution for All Inheritance Matters

In addition to our inheritance law services, we also provide advice and support in a range of other legal areas:

Making arrangements for inheritance matters at an early stage can help prevent disputes later on and ensure that your wishes are clearly documented.

With our support, you can make sure that your inheritance matters are handled properly and in accordance with the law. Rely on an experienced inheritance law notary in Berlin for guidance on all aspects of inheritance law.

Resolve Your Inheritance and Family Law Matters Now

We are here for you. Book your notary appointment at our office today – no long waiting times.

What our clients say about us

H Bar

“A great team with excellent communication and efficiency.”

Leon

“Simple, straightforward and excellent.”

Gany

“The advice was clear, easy to understand and highly professional.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law & Inheritance Law Notary in Berlin

You should contact an inheritance law notary in Berlin whenever you need help drafting a will or inheritance contract, clarifying the order of succession, or applying for a probate certificate. A notary ensures that all legal steps are carried out correctly to prevent future disputes and to implement your wishes securely.
Notarial advice in inheritance law gives you independent and legally binding guidance. A notary not only helps with drafting wills and inheritance contracts but also ensures that the succession of your assets is arranged correctly and in accordance with the law. In addition, notarial consultation brings clarity when resolving claims within a community of heirs.
A probate certificate (Erbschein) is a legal document that entitles heirs to dispose of the inherited estate. It serves as proof for third parties – such as banks, insurance companies, or land registry offices – and is necessary to settle the financial and legal affairs of the deceased. Without a valid probate certificate, the assets contained in the estate cannot be managed or transferred. Under Section 2353 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the probate court issues a certificate upon application by the heir, which identifies both the entitled heirs and their respective shares. This is particularly relevant when an heir is only entitled to a proportional share of the estate.
A probate certificate is applied for at the competent probate court (Nachlassgericht), which has jurisdiction over the last place of residence of the deceased. The same procedure applies for a European Certificate of Succession, which is required for cross-border inheritance matters. Alternatively, an experienced notary or specialist lawyer for inheritance/family law can prepare, certify, and submit the application to simplify the process. For complex estates – such as those involving real estate – professional support is important to avoid problems with the estate settlement. Our firm in Berlin offers clients trusted advice and legal representation when applying for probate certificates or Certificates of Succession.
An inheritance contract (Erbvertrag) is a legally binding agreement between the deceased and one or more persons that governs the estate. Unlike a will, an inheritance contract can only be amended or revoked with the consent of all parties. Inheritance contracts are particularly useful for real estate or substantial assets, as they provide clarity and help prevent disputes among heirs. They are also well suited to managing complex family situations, such as those involving divorce or blended families. Our inheritance law lawyers and notary assist you in drafting an inheritance contract that reflects your individual wishes and meets all legal requirements.

To update the land register (Grundbuch) for an inherited property, you should follow these steps:

  1. Apply for a probate certificate: You first need a probate certificate that officially confirms your inheritance.
  2. Contact a notary: Reach out to a notary to prepare the necessary documents for the land register correction. The notary can also help you draft the required declaration.
  3. Submit the application for correction: File the application for correction of the land register with the competent land registry office (Grundbuchamt). Include all required documents, such as the probate certificate and any notarial deeds.
  4. Wait for processing: The land registry office will review your application and make the necessary changes. This may take some time.
  5. Receive confirmation: Once processing is complete, you will receive confirmation of the changes to the land register.

It is advisable to seek legal advice throughout the entire process to ensure everything is handled correctly. If you have any further questions, we are happy to help.

In certain cases, a probate certificate is not required because other arrangements or documents establish the heirs’ legitimacy. The most common situations where you can do without a probate certificate are:

  1. If a notarially certified will exists, a probate certificate is generally not needed.
  2. If the deceased granted a bank power of attorney that remains valid after death (transmortale Kontovollmacht), allowing access to accounts, and the estate primarily consists of funds in a bank account, a probate certificate is not required.
  3. For small estates, a probate certificate is often unnecessary.

Tip: If you are unsure whether you need a probate certificate, it is advisable to seek legal advice early on to avoid unnecessary delays in settling the estate.